DIPTERA > BRACHYCERA | Higher Diptera

MUSCOMORPHA > ASCHIZA >  Syrphoidea > Syrphidae > Eristalinae > Cheilosiini

Following on from the previous page, Rhingia is a small genus with two unmistakable species that have characteristic, long pointed rostrums, which enclose the proboscis, and can penetrate deep into certain varieties of flowers to extract nectar and pollen that other hoverflies cannot reach. The two species are similar, but can be quite easily distinguished as the far more common and widely distributed Rhingia campestis is distinctly darker and has a longer rostrum. Rhingia rostrata is more brightly coloured with a paler bluish-grey thorax and has no dark edges to the abdomen. It also has a completely orange hind tibia, whereas in Rhingia campestris there's a dark band.

Both species occur in woodland, but Rhingia rostrata has a much stronger connection. It used to be confined to the Welsh borders but, over recent years, its range has extended across much of the south. I'm pleased that I found one in our local woods and am now able to include a couple of photos.

Sept.24